Think outside the box, if Chesapeake builds a skyscraper, it doesn't necessary mean its for Chesapeake. Chesapeake has been real good about luring NEW retail to the area, with Whole Foods, Anthropologie, etc....Whose to say that they can't lure a company here, build and own a skyscraper for that particular company and lease it out? Chesapeake Land Development Company has a lot of clout! For example they own a nice skyscraper in Ft. Worth, but Pier 1 Imports in the dominant tenant in that building.

I just don't understand why people think Chesapeake would build a large downtoown offic building. They have spent a fortune on their campus and built a shopping center that caters to their employees. What would they do with all that suburban space if they moved?

CHK also is constantly acquiring large interests in other companies such as drilling, fracking, and other E&P technologies. It could be that they actually would like a central hub for these companies off-site from their campus.

I just don't understand why people think Chesapeake would build a large downtoown offic building. They have spent a fortune on their campus and built a shopping center that caters to their employees. What would they do with all that suburban space if they moved?

I watched this video from Aubrey, and he was really talking about Oklahoma City's downtown core viability, almost has if he wanted to invest in downtown soon! Watch the video Our Strong, Growing Downtown

http://www.greaterokc.tv/#/home/list/dosortsearch,3801

Yes, interesting that McClendon would be chosen to talk about downtown and it's clear he sees it as extremely important for the entire community.

And remember, CHK has already invested heavily in downtown: 1) They originally purchased the old Kerr McGee building and brokered the deal for SandRidge; 2) They helped build the first boathouse and paid for the finish line tower and Aubrey himself has pledged a bunch of money for the OU boathouse; 3) They are helping pay for the makeover for Kerr Park; 4) Aubrey owns a big chunk of the Thunder; and 5) They recently secured the naming rights for the arena. And I know there are more things that I can't think off the top my head.

I don't think it's out of the realm of possibilities that CHK would build a large downtown structure. They have sunk a ton of money into local real estate that isn't necessarily related to their corporate campus. They have a separate real estate arm and obviously now have lots of experience as a developer, investor and landlord.

Also remember that they own quite a large building in downtown Fort Worth.

They are also competitive and high-profile and they are probably feeling a bit left out with their big competitors making such a big mark downtown. I could see them putting up a large office building to help with their campus overflow and/or to house spin-offs, business partners or just to have a big chunk of space to help lure more companies.

Aubrey & CHK think big and thus far have really delivered. I would love to see them bring some of that bravado and make a big splash on downtown skyline.

Okay, I am just repeating what was told to me last night. I went to church and there is a man that goes to my church, I did not know unitl last week that he works on the devon tower. I brought it up to him about a rumor of another possible tower. He told me his co-workers have been talking about one that is planned for downtown to have 40 floors! wonder if this is going to be true? Just passing along what was told to me.

One Chesapeake Place? Chesapeake Tower? I remember awhile back someone also mentioned that they wanted to increase their Oklahoma City workforce to about 6,000! Therefore, if only 3,000 is in Oklahoma City now, they are constructing office buildings now on campus to house about 1,000 employees. So where is the other 2,000 going to go?

There seems to be a lot of smoke around a 40-story tower, although I realize it may be the same false rumor just being passed around. It may very also be the same building Steve has been hinting at.

But if you do the math for a modern 40-floor building, the total height would be around 680 feet, which would slot it nicely between Devon (850) and Chase (500).

I would have asked him more questions about what other things that his co-workers have been saying about the 40 story building, but i didnt want to come off as a nutball to him lol. I hope it turns out to be true, actually I hope all the rumors about new buildings that might be planned come true. I will say it again. it is a exciting time for okc

It seems like with many of the rumors that Devon finishing the tower is a key component of when we will hear an announcement. That, to me, seems fair. As soon as Devon finishes the outside of the tower, cranes come down, and they go live with the LEDs on the outside of the tower, I think Devon will have it's big media splash for finally being finished, people will applaud them, and there will be a moment of "silence". After a brief period, I think a new Tower would be announced.

I think whoever is building the next tower wants to let Devon have it's moment of glory for being the first to step up when it comes to building big downtown. That to me also shows that whoever is building downtown (if all the rumors are true) is a local company that has implicit respect for Devon.

Chesapeake Land Development Company has a lot of clout!

This is true. This is kind of starting to make sense. IF, and that's a big IF, anyone was going to build build vertical spec space in this city, it would probably be them. I am not real estate expert, but if there is a growing demand for Class A space downtown, I would assume they have a pulse on it. In addition, I am sure CHK could use a chunk of it for themselves either for temporary space as they expand their northside campus or for other acquired operations. If the market does absorb Devon's space quickly, this could be a decent play and CHK kind of makes sense to do it just because they can mitigate possible soft market demand with their own needs.

I think whoever is building the next tower wants to let Devon have it's moment of glory for being the first to step up when it comes to building big downtown. That to me also shows that whoever is building downtown (if all the rumors are true) is a local company that has implicit respect for Devon.

Well, I am sure there is also a business end to that. Once Devon actually moves, we should know pretty quickly how healthy the downtown real estate market really is (or isn't). And whoever is contemplating building downtown will know before we do. If all indications are that it's going to be snatched up quickly, building downtown really begins to make a lot of sense and not just for ego.

CHK is also willing to splash out big bucks on real estate, as we all know.

There is clearly a combined effort on the part of Tom Ward, Larry Nichols, Aubrey McClendon and no doubt now Harold Hamm to bring more energy companies downtown. There are synergies at play that help everyone.

If I was part of that group and wanted to do something to help lure companies (or help the existing ones grow) and to make a big impact on the future of OKC, I would put together an investment group and build a large office tower. That may indeed be exactly what is happening here.

Not to mention, CHK is snatching up all the Class A office space left in the city, Caliber Center, Central Park One & Two. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up purchasing Oklahoma Tower!

I am going to throw this out there, what if Devon was building a spec office tower on the Preftakes block? The reason I say this is because, most of the rumors I am hearing are resulting from Devon construction workers. How else would they know so much about a possible new skyscraper, and it seems all their statements about the same. Moreover, everybody keep saying after Devon Tower is completed, then the new tower will be announced. To me, it seems that Devon has a hand in this. They probably told Flintco construction workers not to get too comfortable, they have more work ahead!

There are lot of possible explanations. I'm not sure that a lot of these scenarios being thrown out are any more ridiculous than Thunder's recent comments. People are getting pretty far ahead of themselves based on pure speculation. Everyone seems to now be certain a "mystery" skyscraper is going up. These projects fall through half the time even when there are public plans known. There's not even any solid information at this point.

I am going to throw this out there, what if Devon was building a spec office tower on the Preftakes block? The reason I say this is because, most of the rumors I am hearing are resulting from Devon construction workers. How else would they know so much about a possible new skyscraper, and it seems all their statements about the same. Moreover, everybody keep saying after Devon Tower is completed, then the new tower will be announced. To me, it seems that Devon has a hand in this. They probably told Flintco construction workers not to get too comfortable, they have more work ahead!

While I'm sure Larry Nichols is involved in the overall development plans as an insider, I doubt Devon is involved financially. I would guess the construction workers are getting antsy about working once the Devon tower is completed. I wouldn't be surprised if they are hearing nuggets/rumors from their managers to calm their fears and keep crews intact for the future.

There is nothing wrong with speculation, and having an imagination. OKCTALK would not exist if there were was no speculation.

Agreed! Speculation can be interesting, especially when there is decent support for it.


People may forget that we had a pretty good handle on Devon Tower long before it was ever announced. I think we started talking about them building something a couple of years before and then narrowed down the site about a year later. Not long after I had lead information about the tower, garden wing and rotunda.

Isn't there a big company that okc has supposedly lured that will be announced sometime this year? Could that not have anything to do with it? Just wondering.

Note: I'm not talking about Boeing. It was talked about bigger things other than Boeing moving to okc corporation wise. As in headquarters.

Isn't there a big company that okc has supposedly lured that will be announced sometime this year? Could that not have anything to do with it? Just wondering.

Note: I'm not talking about Boeing. It was talked about bigger things other than Boeing moving to okc corporation wise. As in headquarters.

King183 said something to this nature over on the Boeing thread I believe.

Isn't there a big company that okc has supposedly lured that will be announced sometime this year? Could that not have anything to do with it? Just wondering.

Note: I'm not talking about Boeing. It was talked about bigger things other than Boeing moving to okc corporation wise. As in headquarters.

Could very well be.

There are only rumors at this point but the Chamber is definitely wooing something big and has a decent amount of confidence around it.

It's been awhile since we have seen this many rumors floating around.

Well, maybe you will all turn out correct. I hope so... where there's smoke there's fire, right?

It also makes logical sense given recent events and trends.

OKC is going to need a good chunk of Class A office space very soon so I hope someone has something in the works, otherwise there will be a big lull in downtown employers of any size.

If and when this is officially announced -- which is not likely to happen until the latter part of the year, at the earliest -- it would be at least two years before the space was actually open for business.

I sincerely hope there are developers/investors out ahead of this.

To put an official announcement in a Devon Tower perspective. Steve broke the story in 03/2008, renderings released 08/2008, ground breaking 10/2009. Steve can break a story about the new tower without renderings any time, if he has permission to do so by the company, and break another story with renderings later. I think he will break the story within the next 6 months, and will probably see renderings at that same time, and construction starting mid 2013.

I wonder if this will be affecting downtown okc. From the norman transcript "In addition, the Norman Economic Development Coalition has purchased around 30 acres and may purchase another 30 to 40 acres for an “airline-related business,” Francisco said....................... Hmmmmmmmm wonder if Boeing is tied into this as well?

Could very well be.

There are only rumors at this point but the Chamber is definitely wooing something big and has a decent amount of confidence around it.

Judging by the current push by the chamber to eliminate (or significantly reduce) the state income tax during this legislative session, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the last piece of the puzzle in luring the new mystery corporate headquarters.

Judging by the current push by the chamber to eliminate (or significantly reduce) the state income tax during this legislative session, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the last piece of the puzzle in luring the new mystery corporate headquarters.

That probably depends on what mechanisms are used to replace it. Income tax is at least deductible at the federal level. Things like sales tax and use taxes that would likely increase to cover the gaps are not. So, it could effectively be an increase for many.

Hmmmmmmmm wonder if Boeing is tied into this as well?Maybe, but Boeing is still in the construction phase of an 8-10 story building on Air Depot, just south of the Tinker south gate. Not real tall but the footprint is sizeable...and it's adjacent to their existing 4-5 story office building.

Shanghai

1990

http://twistedsifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/shanghai-then-and-now-1990-vs-2010.jpg

2010

Just absolutely insane.

..........

China to get an new skyscraper every five days for three years!:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/8562782/China-to-get-new-skyscraper-every-five-days-for-three-years.html

China builds 30 Story Skyscraper in 2 weeks!

http://io9.com/5873966/china-builds-a-30+story-skyscraper-entirely-in-2-weeks

OK, those photos are straight-up incredible. They're even more amazing if you take the time to locate the few buildings from the old photo left over in the new.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdpf-MQM9vY

That is incredible, even for an ugly box. Might be able to withstand a magnitude 9 quake, but a gentle Oklahoma breeze would probably make them have to build their second building in a month.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/2059921.jpg

I remember watching the Chase bldg being constructed when I played baseball for the SW Optimist Tigers at Okie Field.
Also remember watching the demolition of Hotel Black from the roof of my house.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/2059921.jpg

How come City Place has a bottle of Vodka on top of it?

How come City Place has a bottle of Vodka on top of it?

I actually think that was a rotating clock........but it does look like vodka.

How come City Place has a bottle of Vodka on top of it?

lol, Could be a sign for Pops expanding.

If I remember right, I think they had a giant lighted sign atop the bldg...so you knew the temp and time, etc.

Actually I saw an old pic of it in another thread that Will had posted... it was a big sign that said Liberty in cursive letters.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/July1963-3.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/July1963.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/Aug1959.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/19687-TO-0030-55-9-144.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/21412B5419.jpg

These pics make me happy...

Like Shanghai's before pictures.

Whats the date on these pictures?

Actually I saw an old pic of it in another thread that Will had posted... it was a big sign that said Liberty in cursive letters.

By 1982 that sign had been removed and replaced with a digital time and temperature display. It was big enough you could read it from a long way off.

Whats the date on these pictures?

On the first picture, Sandridge Tower (former Kerr McGee Tower) was completed in 1973. In this picture, the tower was under construction. Chase Tower was completed in 1971, and as you see the Chase Tower (formerly Liberty Tower) is finished. That places the date of this picture as being taken in ~1972.

The remainder of the pictures are slightly more challenging, all being taken prior to the 1970s. Some look to be dated back to the 1940s. One of those pictures appears to be in the 1960s based on the facade of two of the midrises.

My Mom told me that there was a light on top of the Liberty Tower many years ago that would change colors (neon, I guess) and it would tell when the weather was changing. Anyone know about this? Sounded cool to me. She also said there was some big light on top of the First national bldg.

By 1982 that sign had been removed and replaced with a digital time and temperature display. It was big enough you could read it from a long way off.Thank you. Knew I'd seen it. Wasn't up very long, though...I think.

My Mom told me that there was a light on top of the Liberty Tower many years ago that would change colors (neon, I guess) and it would tell when the weather was changing. Anyone know about this? Sounded cool to me. She also said there was some big light on top of the First national bldg.

The light on top of the First National was a rotating beacon. It could be seen from the town of Okarche, northwest of here about 25 miles.

Hey! It's the view from the new I-40!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/21412B5419.jpg

Hey! It's the view from the new I-40!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Skylines/21412B5419.jpg

I would like to see a comparison shot from the same angle.

I would like to see a comparison shot from the same angle.

That pic is obviously from much further south than the new I40. I'd say it's from south of the river maybe near Stockyards City. The rail line runs around SW 19th and 20th in that area.

That pic is obviously from much further south than the new I40. I'd say it's from south of the river maybe near Stockyards City. The rail line runs around SW 19th and 20th in that area.

Yes there are rail lines around Stockyards City, but the rail lines in this photo appear to be the ones that run right along the new I-40. If these were the rail lines in Stockyards City, from this angle they would appear to be running towards downtown, rather than along side it.

Yes there are rail lines around Stockyards City, but the rail lines in this photo appear to be the ones that run right along the new I-40. If these were the rail lines in Stockyards City, from this angle they would appear to be running towards downtown, rather than along side it.

No, this is further south. There is a line which runs from SW to NE from Stockyards City towards downtown but there is also one that runs along the south side of Stockyards City along 19th and 20th from west to east. It goes along the south side of Wiley Post Park before turning back north to downtown. The rail line on the south side of downtown is only about 9 block south of the First National Building at most. This is much further south.

Agree to disagree? Either way, I'm sure you'd agree seeing a shot of today's skyline from the same angle compared to this one would be pretty cool

Agree to disagree? Either way, I'm sure you'd agree seeing a shot of today's skyline from the same angle compared to this one would be pretty cool

Any angle of today's skyline is nice to look at Fantastic. I agree that we disagree about that picture though. The lines in that picture run from west to east. The rail line on the south side of downtown by the Union Station runs just south of SW 7th Street. When it goes west it has a spur that either goes southwest towards Stockyards City or turns more towards the northwest and then later west and runs generally between Reno and NW 10th. That rail line in the picture is much further south.

My Mom told me that there was a light on top of the Liberty Tower many years ago that would change colors (neon, I guess) and it would tell when the weather was changing. Anyone know about this? Sounded cool to me. She also said there was some big light on top of the First national bldg.

I'd be really interested in pictures of this if somebody knows where to track them down. I did a google image search without much luck.

I'd be really interested in pictures of this if somebody knows where to track them down. I did a google image search without much luck.

Yep... posted them in the First National thread. CityPlace was known as "Liberty" once. Do you mean that or Liberty (Chase) Tower? CityPlace had a rotating sign of some sort that was digital and told the temperature and time.